OVIEDO, Fla. – Barbara and Jim, of Oviedo, asked us to swap out their hinges because they were 35 years old and rusting. So we did.
We asked Barbara and Jim to measure them, then we bought a new set and switched them out -- quick and cheap.
If you have a project you’d like Erik to tackle, send us an email at GettingResultsAtHome@wkmg.com and next week Erik might just show up at your door!
We purchased:
We brought with us:
Phillips-head screwdriver
We recommend:
Electric screwdriver
Step 1
Measure. Barbara and Jim’s hinges were a non-standard size: 4 inches (standard hinges are 3.5 inches). So they measured the hinges beforehand and I found I could special-order 3 of them for about the same price ($12) as standard-sized hinges.
Step 2
Unscrew. Do one hinge at a time so you don’t have to take off the door! Leaving the other hinges in place while you work on one keeps the door sturdy. Pick a hinge and remove all screws (this is where an electric screwdriver comes in handy). Once the screws are out you should be able to pull out the hinge. If it’s been painted, use a razor blade to slice the paint around the edge of the hinge so you don’t rip off the paint when you pull out the hinge. If you can’t get the hinge out, pry it out with a flat-blade screwdriver.
Step 3
Swap. Place the new hinge in the cutout where the old hinge sat. It should be an exact fit. Don’t worry if the old hinge holes don’t align with the new holes - you can just make new holes.
Step 4
Re-screw. Screw in the new screws to hold the new hinge in place. Putting pressure on the screw with the screwdriver should force the screw to make a new hole on its own (no drilling required). Make sure all screws are tight.
You just got results at home!
Which specific home improvement project do you need help with? If you’d like Erik to tackle it, send us an email at GettingResultsAtHome@wkmg.com.
Who knows, he may just show up at your door!
